Broadly, there are two routes that enable one to pursue aviation as a career.

Route 1: Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot);
Route 2: Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

Let’s look at both of them a little more closely to understand how to become a Pilot in India.

Route 1: Civil Aviation/ Commercial Pilot

A Commercial Pilot is a pilot who flies a specific aircraft type for an airline and holds a commercial pilot certificate issued by an authority. In India, the authority is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Being a commercial pilot comes with a lot of responsibility. You will be responsible for hundreds of lives in a single aircraft, taking them from point A to point B in the fastest and the safest way possible.
So, if you wish to enter this career path, or know someone who does, you are at the right place.

Subject Requirements to Become a Commercial Pilot

To pursue Aviation as a career, you need to opt for science stream – Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry being compulsory subjects. If you do not have Physics and Math’s in your higher secondary, then after completing or alongside that you have the option of doing these two subjects from National Institute of open Schooling and then start your Pilot training course that permits you to take off flights approved by the flying clubs of the country.

Entrance Examinations to Become a Commercial Pilot

The admission to a pilot training course happens through a set entrance procedure that includes a written test, medical examination, and an interview. Please note a minimum of 50% is required in class 12th to join a flying school. The minimum age to apply for Pilot License, are as follows:

• Student Pilot License is 16 years
• Private Pilot License is 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License is 18 years

How Do You Become a Commercial Airline Pilot in India?

Following are the steps you need to take in order to become a commercial pilot:

Step 1. Enroll in a Flying School and Pursue B.Sc. in Aviation

This admission procedure generally consists of the following:

Written Examination- The test encompasses general English, Math’s, Physics and Reasoning (10+2 standard).

Pilot Aptitude Test- The test will assess your aptitude on Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft and Engine Knowledge

Personal Interview and DGCA Medical examination- The candidates succeeding in written examination and aptitude test will be required to take a medical assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.

Step 2. Obtain a Student Pilot License

To obtain a student pilot license, you would have to appear for an entrance examination. This consists of an Oral test and will be taken by the Chief Instructor at the School, or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) representative. This license allows you to get flying training and permits you to take off flights on gliders or small planes that are generally provided by approved flying clubs of the country.

By the time you complete your course, you should have completed a minimum of 250 flying hours, following which you can apply for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Some of the leading institutes for pursuing an Aviation course:

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareilly
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Kerala
National Flying Training Institute, Gondia
Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai
Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd., Ahmedabad
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC), Indore
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Gondia,
Indigo Cadet Training Program, (Hamilton, New Zealand & Hyderabad, India)

Note: Every institute has their respective specifications concerning physical fitness, and eyesight specifically.